When your heartburn or burps could be a sign of cancer – and 4 other symptoms you might spot at the dinner table

SOME cancer symptoms are well-known and fairly easy to recognise – a breast lump or a growing mole, for example.

But there are numerous signs that are far too easy to dismiss.

Did you know that a croaky voice, back pain, and even burping can all be symptoms of the disease that kills 167,000 people in the UK every year?

Most people are familiar with the most common cancers – breast, prostate, lung, skin and kidney.

But lesser-known types of the disease can be just as serious and far more deadly.

More than three quarters (76 per cent) of breast cancer patients survive for 10 years or more following diagnosis, according to Cancer Research UK.

This rises to 78 per cent for prostate cancer, and 87 per cent for melanoma skin cancer.

But oesophageal cancer – or cancer of the food pipe – has a 10-year survival rate of just 12 per cent.

Like with all forms of the disease, the earlier it’s caught, the better.

That’s why recognising symptoms as soon as possible, and getting them checked by a doctor, is vital.

It’s not always easy. “It’s a cancer that hides in plain sight,” Fiona Labrooy, chief operating officer at Heartburn Cancer UK, warns.

But there are several subtle signs to look out for. During oesophageal cancer awareness month, we take a look at seven of the most common red flags – particularly visible around the dinner table.

1. Heartburn or acid reflux

After a spicy curry or too much wine, many of us experience a burning sensation in our chests.

But persistent heartburn, which occurs when stomach acid travels up towards the throat, could be cause for concern.

While likely harmless, heartburn, or acid reflux, is one of the most common signs of oesophageal cancer.

Ms Labrooy says: “Persistent heartburn is not normal, and continuing to just drop antacids into your shopping basket week after week could be putting people’s lives in danger.

“We don’t want anyone to worry if they get a bout of heartburn after a night on the town or a meal too late at night, but persistent heartburn or acid reflux isn’t just inconvenient – it could be a sign of cancer.

“And even if it’s not, the constant burning of the lining of the stomach could be doing damage that can eventually turn into cancer.

“If your symptoms last more than three weeks, it’s time to stop self-medicating and speak to a GP. It might just save your life.”

2. Problems swallowing

It’s also important to speak to a doctor if you feel pain or a burning sensation when you swallow, or if food gets stuck in your throat or chest.

“These are the most common symptoms of oesophageal cancer,” CRUK says.

“You may also regurgitate food – this is when food comes back up soon after you swallow it.”

3. Burping

There are countless things that can make us burp – from fizzy drinks to simply eating too quickly.

But if you’re regularly gassy or belch excessively, make an appointment with your GP, especially if this appears alongside other symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain or heartburn.

Burping a lot could be a sign of oesophageal cancer, the NHS warns.

4. Feeling or being sick

Between 40 and 70 per cent of people with cancer experience nausea or vomiting, research shows.

It appears as one of the possible symptoms of most types of cancer, including oesophageal.

If you get a one-off bout of sickness, it’s unlikely to be anything to worry about.

But if you’re regularly nauseous or sick after eating, speak to your GP.

5. Coughing

“A cough that won’t go away or that happens when you try to eat can be caused by oesophageal cancer,” CRUK says.

If you’re suffering from a cough for more than three weeks, give your doctor a call.

6. Loss of appetite

It’s fairly common for our appetites to fluctuate a little.

They can change based on factors like stress, medication, mental health, and menstrual cycles, after all.

But if you notice you haven’t been feeling as hungry as usual for a while, speak to your GP – especially if you have lost weight without meaning to.

“You may also be put off eating if you find it hard to swallow or have pain when you swallow your food,” CRUK says.

“This can also make you lose weight.”